Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Berkeley, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Berkeley are Lorin District, Daleys Scenic Park, and Southside. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Berkeley, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of August 5, 2025, the average rent in Berkeley is $2,249, which is 1.1% higher than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.
Lorin District
Average Rent
$1,509/Month
TransitScore® Rating
63/100
Units Available
11 Rentals
Lorin District is an affordable neighborhood in Berkeley with an average rent price of $1,509. Compare this to the city average of $2,249. Lorin District provides easy access to Berkeley City College, Macarthur Station, and Willard Park. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 93.
Daleys Scenic Park
Average Rent
$1,942/Month
TransitScore® Rating
64/100
Units Available
17 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Berkeley, Daleys Scenic Park might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,942, while the city’s average stands at $2,249. Daleys Scenic Park is near Acheson Commons, Glendale La Loma Park, and University and Jepson Herbaria.
Southside
Average Rent
$1,972/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
21.7%
TransitScore® Rating
58/100
Units Available
11 Rentals
Southside is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Southside is $1,972 while the city average is $2,249. This is a 21.7% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to People's Park, Metro Oakland International, and Downtown Berkeley. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 78.
South Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,435/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.7%
TransitScore® Rating
65/100
Units Available
163 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Berkeley neighborhood on a budget, check out South Berkeley. The average rent is $2,435, compared to the city average of $2,249. Rent prices have decreased by 0.7%. South Berkeley is convenient to Downtown Berkeley, Ashby Station, and Downtown Berkeley Station. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 93.
Spaulding at Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,481/Month
TransitScore® Rating
67/100
Units Available
25 Rentals
Spaulding at Berkeley is an affordable neighborhood in Berkeley with an average rent price of $2,481. Compare this to the city average of $2,249. Spaulding at Berkeley provides easy access to North Berkeley Station, Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, and Samuel Merritt University. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 89.
Hillegass
Average Rent
$2,594/Month
TransitScore® Rating
63/100
Units Available
68 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Berkeley, Hillegass might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,594, while the city’s average stands at $2,249. Hillegass is near UC Berkeley Museum of Paleontology, People's Park, and Downtown Berkeley Station.
Elmwood
Average Rent
$2,691/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.1%
TransitScore® Rating
60/100
Units Available
55 Rentals
Elmwood is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Elmwood is $2,691 while the city average is $2,249. This is a 0.1% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to UC Berkeley, Willard Park, and Downtown Berkeley Station. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 95.
Poet's Corner
Average Rent
$2,838/Month
TransitScore® Rating
64/100
Units Available
28 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Berkeley neighborhood on a budget, check out Poet's Corner. The average rent is $2,838, compared to the city average of $2,249. Poet's Corner is convenient to UC Berkeley, San Francisco International, and North Berkeley. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 93.
Southwest Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,856/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
5%
TransitScore® Rating
58/100
Units Available
76 Rentals
Southwest Berkeley is an affordable neighborhood in Berkeley with an average rent price of $2,856. Compare this to the city average of $2,249. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 5%. Southwest Berkeley provides easy access to San Francisco International, North Berkeley, and Downtown Berkeley. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 91.
Downtown Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,865/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.5%
TransitScore® Rating
71/100
Units Available
203 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Berkeley, Downtown Berkeley might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,865, while the city’s average stands at $2,249. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.5%. Downtown Berkeley is near Downtown Berkeley, Berkeley City College, and Metro Oakland International.
Ready to make your move to Berkeley? Check out the rent specials, price drops, and great deals on ApartmentFinder.com!
Methodology
Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.
We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.